Salvation

Chapter 29

"Maybe I should surrender. It will give you all a chance to prepare yourselves for the worse."

"No Ben. That won't do anyone any good. We can't just sit around and do nothing. Hux is dangerous leading the order and must be put to an end."

"But General, his army is huge. Its tripled since he took over. Hes bringing in more recruits than ever." Finn shouted.

"We can take them. Nothing a little explosions can't fix and thats all we need." Poe shrugged.

"He can't be as bad as Snoke. Hes like a child. Just have him overthrown and I'm sure this can all be over." Rose chimmed in.

"No, hes not as bad as Snoke. But he values human life very little and there will be more death on his hands than ever. He needs to be stopped." Rey stood up.

"He needs to be ended." Ben added.

"What if we met with the high commanders ourselves and worked out a truce? Without Hux?" Finn asked.

"Yeah, what if we showed them somehow that he isn't stable enough to be in that position. Show them a new way to lead? Perhaps General maybe you could even step in?" Poe suggested.

"It's a huge risk. We're not even sure they will listen." Leia shook her head.

"If anyone can get them to change their hearts it would be you. You changed mine." Ben looked up to his mother, smiling half heartedly.

"Yes. But I believe it wasn't just me who had a hand in that." She looked over at Rey.

Rey smiled and looked down at her fingers. "I think you can do it." She said softly.

"But how would we go about this? We would have to get them to talk to us without their supreme leader." Poe mocked the last two words.

"We will come up with a plan. For now, everyone go to dinner. It's been hours and no one has eaten. We'll discuss later." Leia commanded.

Everyone rose up from the conference chairs and slowly scattered out of the room. Rey and Ben stayed behind with Leia.

"That means you two also." She pointed out the door.

"I'm sorry General." Rey looked down. "I feel responsible for this."

Ben started to step towards Rey but Leia held up her hand. "Ben, could you give us a moment. I'll send her to the dining court."

Ben nodded and left them alone. Leia walked over to Rey and took her hand. "I feel like you can be told numerous times that it isn't your fault and you would not believe it." Leia spoke gently.

"I destroyed the base. I killed Snoke and dozens of others."

"You saved lives by killing Snoke. You helped bring my son back to the light."

Rey turned her head in frustration but Leia gently cradled her chin back to her. "You have been through so much. I cannot imagine the pain and fear you carried for so long. You are a warrior. You are a survivor. And you will continue to bring hope to others. Don't fear the strength you have. Embrace it. You have a family now Rey. And we will not allow you to doubt yourself." She brought her forehead to Rey's. "Women can be tough. Trust me." She smiled as she pulled away.

Rey felt herself tearing up. She was at a loss of words. The mother of Ben would be someone like her. Strong and brave, very inspiring herself. Even after losing her love she still fights on. Rey took in all that she said.

"Thank you." She wish she had more to add but she was trying to build her own confidence back up.

"Go eat. Theres a lot of food waiting." She smiled.

Rey nodded and hurried out the room, feeling her stomach grumble.

Rey found herself going to the water more often when she felt her stress going too high up. Shes never been able to find an enjoyable place to calm her thoughts before and she didnt know how long this would last and wanted to enjoy every moment of it. Normally the waves were loud and soaring over each other but today, the waters were calm and still. The view of the sun setting over the ocean gave Rey a warm peaceful feeling.

"Is there anywhere I can go where you can't find me?" Rey asked without taking her eyes off the water.

"I highly doubt it." Ben replied as he stepped behind her.

Rey smiled. "Its so still."

"Would you like to change that?" He asked.

She turned her head to look up at him, brows furrowed in confusion.

He reached down and lifted her up with her hands, keeping her standing in front of him facing the ocean. He reached out with his hand, extending it over her shoulder past her face. He stretched out his fingers and the water slightly retreated back from the sand, allowling it to come back again. He moved his hand again bringing a small wave forward, lightly crashing in on the sand and giving them a small splash. Rey was smiling at his playful manipulation.

"Now, you go." He whispered.

She reached with her hand, and closing her eyes she took a deep breath in, concentrating on the flow of the water. The water started to push back but higher, swirling forward for a large crash.

They continued to move the water, making waves higher to cascade over each other along the sand. Each time a new kind of aound emerged, the force vibrating through them both in complete harmony.

He wrapped one arm around her to pull her closer to his chest as they continued to play with the ocean. Her head leaned back and accepted his embrace.

She felt herself getting stronger and her worries seemed to die down a little. At one point she dropped her hamd and just took in the sight.

"Beautiful." She whispered.

He looked down at her, kissed the side of her head. "I know." He whispered back, keeping his eyes on her.